As St Kilda prepare to farewell one senior servant, another may have to settle for a one-year contract extension to continue his career next season.
Farren Ray, who has been dropped for Sunday's clash against the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium, is understood to have been offered a one-year deal.
However, it's believed he feels he can play on for at least two more seasons, and would prefer a contract endorsing that ambition.
Ray will turn 30 in March next year and a one-year contract offer would follow the model many clubs have embraced when it comes to contracting players aged 30 and older.
Ray has endured a frustrating season. He has managed just the seven senior matches, having not joined the side until round 10 because of hamstring problems.
He then played in six straight games, including celebrating his 200th match, before being dropped. He returned for last week's clash against Geelong but has been named as first emergency for the clash against the Swans.
He was one of four changes, with Josh Saunders, Cameron Shenton and the injured Tim Membray (shoulder) also out.
The retiring Adam Schneider joins hardnut midfielder David Armitage, Dylan Roberton and Sean Dempster back in the side.
Sam Gilbert is also off contract but it's believed he has been told he will play on next year.
The Saints have emerged as one of the league's most improved sides this season but remain in the market for more talent.
This includes uncontracted talent from other clubs, where rival list managers insisted through the week the Saints were in the market for disgruntled Lion James Aish, and are likely to be keen for Jake Carlisle should the Bomber opt to leave the club.
